Page 14 of Reflections of Silence

“You don’t have to babysit me,” I said tiredly.

When had I become so exhausted? Maybe it was the food. It might have the French touch, but the fare was still heavier than what I was used to. Though, after my stint on the ship, I’d take anything over the hardtack biscuits with their consistent complement of weevils.

“It’s not that, madame,” Minette bobbed a quick courtesy. “It’s nearly dinner time. The Master will want to eat with you. I think.” She slipped the empty glass dangling from my fingers and disappeared into the house’s underbelly.

I looked up at Charleton who had appeared at my elbow, keeping a discrete distance between us.

“You should eat with his lordship,” he reminded me, gesturing up the hall.

More food? Something groaned within me, but it wasn’t my stomach. My feet refused to work, gluing themselves to the worn floorboards beneath my feet.

“I thought he wasn’t a lord.” My mind returned to the ballroom, the way he’d touched me. Charleton’s lips turned up in a kind smile.

“Of course not, madame. He is a viscount, currently, though I believe he left the title when he left his country. But if you find the house...oppressive, my lady, you are welcome at our humble table whenever you wish.” He gestured down the hall. A poor cousin to a half-smile returned his sentiment.

“Thank you.” I followed him along the corridor.

Minette was already in my room when we arrived at the door. A heavy brocade draped over her arm, she armed herself with two combs and a bejeweled hair piece.

Charleton left me at my door with assurances my rooms were stocked with all the accompaniments a new wife needed, whatever those might be. “If you are uncertain,” his brow furrowed with concern, “yours is the fifth door on the left. The smaller library I mentioned before is across the hall from your room, a door down this way.” He gestured to the opposing wall.

I thanked him again; at least I would have something to fill part of my day in the morning. I was halfway down the hall when a thought occurred to me. Pivoting on my heel, I realized he was still waiting at the top of the wide staircase.

He’s making sure I don’t wander into the wrong room.

“Is there anyone else on this floor?”

Charleton took a step away, casting his face in shadow. There was a pause, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer me.

“His lordship, madame. In the room across from your own.”

“Oh.”

My mind a blur, I stumbled back to my room to dress for dinner.

Minette primped me in silence while I threw questions in her direction about my husband. Bows tied, curls set, I looked like a show dog, ready to be put through its paces.

“Minette... the portrait gallery.” She stared at me, mute as she’d been the entire night. Had one of the staff told her not to speak to me? The housekeeper, perhaps. I was yet to encounter the formidable personage who must keep command over this tidy household. “When did the family emigrate?”

“Many years ago.” Minette disappeared into my hair, tugging curls into a semblance of something fashionable.

“Do you know where they came from?”

Minette hesitated. “Picardie. Fr?—”

“France,” I finished for her.

Sebastian had come from an area less than half a day’s travel from my own. Though mine had disowned me; his, I expected, had not.

“Yes, madame,” she whispered, her fingers twitching in my hair.

“Merci,” I murmured as she finished her handiwork and collected her things. “The dining hall is…?”

“Down the staircase, along to the left. It opens into a wider room. You won’t get lost,” she assured me. “Charleton will assist you this evening.” A blush rose in her cheeks, combining a pretty mix with her blonde, ringlet hair.

The pink hue suited her. I wondered if I could convince her to wear a hint of it on her half-day off.

I smiled. “And is there a… particular valet who might catch your attention?” A small ‘o’separated her rosebud lips. I hastened to reassure her. “If it is a secret, then I shall keep it for you. I am not someone to be feared.”

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